It is with great pleasure that I introduce and host the socio-cultural event “Amaderjalsha” in Oslo (Norway) for Bengali communities (specially Bangladeshi and West Bengal communities and as well as open for Norwegian). The key purpose of this event is to build strong relationships and networks among Bengali communities, enhance and promote the clear understanding of Bengali culture to our next generation (children) here in Norway through different small scale activities during the event (discussions, singing songs from participants and so on).

Since Bengali foods are famous for their own flavors, taste & traditions, therefore foods are integral part of the event. However, it is appreciated that all participants are bringing and sharing foods during each event.

So, as a host I am happy to welcome you in the Bengali event of Amaderjalsha and discuss how we might progress our common interests.

Amader Jalsha: A connection with the Bengali heritage !!!

In Bengali, Jalsha means people getting together. Amaderjalsha initiated in Oslo by Badrul Bhai has offered a unique platform to discuss Bengali heritage comprises its arts, music, language, literature, folk traditions and philosophy of life. Bengal is a homeland for over 180 million people. East Bengal is now the sovereign country Bangladesh and West Bengal is one of the populous states in India. Bangla (our beloved language and Bengali culture) is increasingly disappearing from the second generations of Bengalis in Oslo. Moreover, ideas, principles and philosophy that were once vital to the mainstream Bengali society are becoming old-fashioned, conservative and downright inappropriate in the current context of economic, social and moral value system. In this context, Amader Jalsha gives us an opportunity to inject interest among new generation Bengalis to get acquaint with our heritage, and for us (seniors) to imbibe in Bangla literature, music, culture and heritage. I am sure that initiatives taken by Amader Jalsha will unite like minded people to combine their efforts into a meaningful movement to rejuvenate interests in Bangla among the new generations in Oslo.

Best wishes to all the participants...

That’s a fantastic to initiate Amaderjalsha in Oslo, Norway, which I believe is a significant for Bangali communities (Bangladesh and West Bengal) to expand their social networking. Further more, the gathering will also add to new Bangali generation to recognize: how Bengali societies are shaped by people over thousands years.

Unfortunately, I am missing to participate in such a beautiful gathering.

It was a prudent initiative from Mohammed and his wife that led to the birth of ´Amader Jalsha´. At the time of its inception, we discussed what would be the purpose and how to make it a success, and not to convert it into a formal organization, but to keep the bangle tradition of ´jalsha´ very much alive.

Now, almost a year later, I can definitely say that ´Amader Jalsha´ has achieved all its goals and more so. In the beginning we had to make an effort to get the participants perform at Jalsha. Now it is quite the opposite, participants volunteer to perform, either sing a song or recite a poem or tell just jokes. This is a great achievement.

So, my heart cheering thanks to you Mohammed and all those who have taken this initiative.

Very best wishes from Hasib-Vhai

"Nothing good ever takes place without hearty approach and broad outlook. It is obvious when one thinks of an initiative for collective interest and involvement.

Mr. Swapan Gupta, a popular and prominent Rabindra-singer from Kolkata, was on a visit to Oslo in September/2008 to perform songs in the cultural evening of writers and poets meet. The occasion and his presence in the capital city of Norway drew attention of both the communities from Bangladesh and West Bengal.

Mr. Mohammad Badrul Islam and Mrs. Shormin Sultana (couple) were not apart from this event. Their instinct quality was inspired following a homely cultural evening arranged by themselves and participated by Mr. Gupta along with others that consequently resulted in the formation of "Amader Jalsha". It seems to me like a majlis or assembly for musical demonstration which usually takes place in the evening.

This is a good start and I hope that it will contribute towards positive development of our cultural acivities beyond bindings".

Badrul Islam (Host)

Mr. Hasib Rahman

Md Zillur Rahman

Professor Asim K. Duttaroy

Mr. Khorshed Ahmed

Bengali and Norwegian households initiative educational and social gathering in Oslo